Jimmy Butler could undergo exploratory surgery on his left knee as soon as the season ends.
Butler has been trying to play through the injury as the Chicago Bulls fight for a place in the playoffs
“Maybe. I hope not,’’ Butler told the Sun-Times. “Is my knee the same as it was before the injury? No.
“But I want to play, man. And at times I feel like I’m hurting this team. That’s the most disappointing part because I’m not the player I was. I don’t know if there’s something really wrong in there, but it’s not really right, either. But I’ll be fine. I have to figure out a way to help us win playing with this. That’s all I’m worried about.’’
Butler hasn't been playing nearly as well since injuring the knee on Feb. 5.
Butler was averaging 22.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game and just 15.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 39 percent since returning. Butler also hasn't been as explosive or as solid on defense.
Dr. James Andrews told Butler there was nothing structurally wrong with the knee.
“It’s probably in the back of his mind a little bit,’’ Fred Hoiberg said. “But I think that gave him some reassurance was when he went down and saw Dr. Andrews and got a clean-belt of health that everything in there was OK structurally. For him, and all players, not just Jimmy, you need to be out there reacting rather than out there thinking.’’